Beginner bike + kit for £1k

[TheDizzle]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and looking to get in to road cycling - I'd like to commute the 8 rural miles to work plus go out at weekends and evenings on my own or eventually with a local group.

I'll be getting my bike through the C2W scheme so I have £1k to spend on a bike plus kit.

Having started looking at reviews I've ended up going round in circles with information overload - there are so many bikes to choose from and so without any previous experience i thought i'd ask those in the know ;-)

I'm going to test ride the following bikes over the next few weeks:

Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Sora
Felt Z95
Cannondale CAAD 8 Sora
Cube Peloton
Giant Defy 3

Does anyone have any experience of those bikes (good or bad) and are there any other models I should be investigating (just to make it even more difficult)?

A very open question I know, and I'm sure it's been answered on more than one occasion, but your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[SquareDaff]

The question most people will need to know on here is how much of the £1k you're allocating for the bike (or at least a max figure).

 

[thegravestoneman]

How do...

There are some nice bikes there and you will get some good feedback about them on this forum. I have to admit that the look of them is as important as the ride for me, if only for them shop window glances to make yourself feel good.

good luck and enjoy!

 

[Sittingduck]

You're going to get many different views based upon personal experiences. I would go into the test ride with an open mind and go for which ever one feels best, on the day.

 

[TheDizzle]

SquareDaff - bearing in mind I need to get kit also, I'm thinking of spending up to £800 on the bike but preferably more like £750

the gravetstoneman - as I haven't ridden any bikes yet the looks have played a big part in my selection. I really like the Bianchi (although it doesn't seem to be great value) while the Felt and Cube are not far behind. Although the Cannondale and Giant don't inspire me as much looks-wise, I think I should try some bikes from the big boys as they get great reviews.

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

I got a Felt Z85 last year and have loved it. The 105 shifters are lovely and I much prefer them to the thumb buttons. The bike itself feels really light, it turns nicely and I've got on with it really well. If you've any questions about it ask away. Otherwise, just see what feels right on the day. The bike shop should set up each one for you, if not perfectly then pretty well so you can get a good feel for the fit.

As for kit, check if pedals are included and if so are they right for you? You may want to swap in some clipless pedals, and therefore shoes as well. Add in a helmet and you might be near your price limit. I've found that taking advantage of the lidl gear sales and the bike shop sales in general has netted me most of my kit at low prices. If I'd bought this all at the same time from the bike shop I'd have paid far more.

Some basic shorts, leg+arm warmers, a baselayer, poly sports top and a cycling jacket should see you right for just about any temperature between now and next winter. You can gradually pick up more bits and pieces as you go and as you get used to what to look for.

 

[SquareDaff]

SquareDaff - bearing in mind I need to get kit also, I'm thinking of spending up to £800 on the bike but preferably more like £750

There was a cycle buyers guide in Cycling Weekly in the issue dated 14th February. That should help with the information overload. There's also a ready made list of of all bikes/equipment levels you could potentially get in that price range (obviously look for sales though).

 

[matthat]

As an experienced C2W scheme user you need to do you your maths on the calculator early as I had planned to spend £700 and then found out that after deductions this would take me under minimum wage which HMRC are not aloud to do so was declined. Previously I had spent £500 with no problems so just presumed all would be ok for the upgrade. So I have ended up putting £270 money into the pot. Obviously if you earn a healthy wage then all should be good straight away but as I work for a supermarket the wage isn't the greatest around. So just wanted to share that so you don't get your hopes up early thinking all will be ok.
I started on a hybrid 4-5 yrs ago then got a MTB and now i've just bought a DEFY3 !! Highly recommended.
I would allow a good £100+ for bits if you are just starting out as it all mounts up!! Helmet,Lights,Locks,Mobile repair bits (pump tubes odd tools),Jacket and waterproofs as well. I've found its worth getting all bits on scheme as it spreads cost out and also you get the deductions that way.
Hope this is helpful advice.

 

[User16625]

Arent Sora groupsets the cheapest of the shimano range? I would have thought for £1000 he could have equipment a bit higher end than the bottom?

 

[SquareDaff]

Should be able to manage Tiagra. Maybe even some 105.

 

[vickster]

Might be worth checking how much you'll actually save and what the end of year payment is. You won't get any sort of deal using C2W, RRP will be paid (as the retailer pays the scheme) - you may find you can get a better specced bike (possibly a 2012 model) on a 0% credit deal

Otherwise, buy the bike that fits you best, feels best on test ride and is most aesthetically pleasing - this way you'll ride it more

Budget £200 I'd say for kit, including £60+ on a proper solid gold sold secure D Lock if you plan on leaving it anywhere

2013 Sora now has lever shift, no thumb button and is 9 speed Tiagra of old (current Tiagra is 10 spd and 105 of old). There are a couple of lower Shimano groupsets than Sora

 

[TheDizzle]

Thanks for all the advise above.

I've looked in to my work C2W scheme and it looks ok. The final payment is £50 and because of student loan payments I'll save even more than the usual 32%!

For the money (say 750 -800) I'd be looking for Sora as a minimum but maybe Tiagra. 105 would be nice but it'll use up all of my budget.

Does anyone have any experience of Ribble? I can get a decent spec but obviously I can't try it and I'm wondering about the frame quality. Just a thought.

Thanks again for all the info/advise.

 

[matthat]

Thanks for all the advise above.

I've looked in to my work C2W scheme and it looks ok. The final payment is £50 and because of student loan payments I'll save even more than the usual 32%!

For the money (say 750 -800) I'd be looking for Sora as a minimum but maybe Tiagra. 105 would be nice but it'll use up all of my budget.

Does anyone have any experience of Ribble? I can get a decent spec but obviously I can't try it and I'm wondering about the frame quality. Just a thought.

Thanks again for all the info/advise.

I've not ridden Ribble personally but from reviews in mags and what i've seen on here I don't think you'll go wrong there.

 

[vickster]

Don't know for sure, but there was discussion recently and I think Ribble charge a fee for C2W (might have been Planet X, or both)?

A colleague of mine has a Gran Fondo, nice bike (he's on his second having totalled the first )

 

[Boon 51]

Just try as many bikes as you can, one will jump out and say buy me...